Five unexpected moments from Trump-Xi China state visit from pandas to shocking wardrobe choices
WASHINGTON —The state visit of President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan had several standout moments, from a ballroom tour, media mayhem, and his-and-her thermoses.President Trump and Melania Trump played host to the Chinese couple, welcoming them with a military review and hosting a lavish state dinner. Xi seemed to enjoy himself.“Everything is done to the highest order of perfection, and there is thought in every little detail, and it’s greatly appreciated,” he told the Trumps at tea on Friday in the Red Room of the White House.“America is very happy about this visit, and I’m sure China is very happy also.Great things for both countries,” Trump said.Here are five standout moments from the visit:The internet went crazy when eagle-eyed state visit watchers spotted two thermoses at Xi and Peng’s place settings during Thursday night’s dinner.There, mixed in with the Reagan state china and crystal wine glasses, was a black thermos for Xi and a white one for Peng.BYOT — or Bring Your Own Thermos — is a common cultural norm in China, where drinking hot beverages is a preference.
Public fountains in the country even have a boiling water option so people can keep their thermos filled.It’s unclear what the Chinese first couple sipped on during the courses of fish and vegetables, but usually the flasks contain goji berries, red dates, or Chinese herbs tied to traditional Chinese medicine.The tradition continued on Friday when flasks were spotted inside Xi’s Hongqi limousine when the couple arrived at the White House for tea with the Trumps.Clothes are said to make the person.They certainly stood out in the state visit.Melania Trump made the unexpected choice to wear pants for the black-tie state dinner.
She stunned in a white bow blouse and sleek black tuxedo-inspired pants.The stylish Dolce & Gabbana pants, bow-adorned Saint Laurent cotton poplin blouse, black silk Dolce & Gabbana cummerbund and sky-high black Christian Louboutin heel...